Zanzibar’s history is not only central to East Africa, but also deeply interwoven with the broader Indian Ocean world 3 . It has been shaped by centuries of trade, slavery, religion, migration, and cultural exchange 4 . However, much of this history—especially from. African perspectives—remains underrepresented in the public domain and educational curricula.

One of the most important contributors to this field is Professor Abdul Sheriff, whose scholarship has shaped both local and international understandings of Zanzibar’s past 5 . Yet, some of his most meaningful knowledge exists only in conversation—in the reflections, corrections, and reconsiderations that he shares when speaking informally with students and colleagues.

This project was original proposed by historians, from the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), who saw the necessity of having reflections from Professor Sheriff’s vast expertise and perspectives on the history of Zanzibar. These reflections include complex historical narratives that go beyond what he has published, and which offer young scholars a window into how historical interpretations change with time, perspective, and maturity.

This phase of the project—the first of a broader oral history initiative—seeks to preserve that living knowledge, and to provide students, teachers, researchers, and tour guides with authentic, thoughtful, and well documented historical resources.